What is the Zeus Trojan Virus? Understanding the Threat and How to Protect Your System
The Zeus Trojan virus, also known as Zbot, is one of the most infamous forms of malware ever created. First identified in 2007, Zeus was designed with the goal of stealing sensitive information such as banking credentials and other financial data, as well as personal details. Some viruses simply aim to cause chaos and destruction in their wake, but Zeus is a much more targeted piece of malware that aims to steal valuable information from its victims.
Targeting Windows operating systems, it has been responsible for millions of dollars in financial losses, with infected machines being added to botnets – networks of infected computers that can be controlled remotely. This major player in cybercrime definitely deserves its godly moniker, but there are actions you can take to protect yourself against it.
In this blog we’ll break down how Zeus works, its variants, and its ongoing impact.
History and origins of the Zeus Trojan virus
The Zeus Trojan first came to light in 2007 when it was used in a cyberattack against the US Department of Transportation. Its exact origins are unknown, but it has had strong ties to hackers based in Eastern Europe.
What made Zeus so dangerous when it came onto the scene, and what continues to make it such a big name in cybercrime, is its level of sophistication, and the fact that it can steal sensitive information without raising alarms. The malware was designed to focus on financial institutions, but it quickly expanded its reach, targeting both individuals and businesses globally.
After someone claiming to be the creator of the virus announced their retirement in 2010, giving the source code to another malware creator as they did so, it was later leaked online in 2011. This leak allowed the Zeus virus to be modified and built on by other cybercriminals, leading to a wave of new variants. These variants made detection and removal even more challenging, as they incorporated new techniques to evade cybersecurity measures. The Zeus Trojan became the foundation for many future stains of malware – and this is why it’s still a major cybersecurity threat today, over a decade later.
How Zeus Trojan virus works
The Zeus Trojan operates in several ways, each of which are complex and sophisticated, which is part of what makes it so difficult to detect and remove.
Infection methods
Zeus often spreads through phishing attacks, where users are tricked into clicking on malicious email attachments or links that seem as though they come from legitimate sources. For example, a user might receive an email that appears to come from their bank, prompting them to click a link asking them to verify their details. As soon as the link is clicked, Zeus has a way to silently install itself on their computer.
Drive-by downloads are another common method of infection – this is where a user visits a compromised website that automatically downloads the malware onto their device without their knowledge or consent. This method is particularly dangerous, because all it takes is a user visiting a malicious site for them to be at risk of infection.
Keylogging and data theft
Once installed, Zeus can monitor every keystroke typed on the infected device. This process, known as keylogging, allows the malware to capture sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card numbers. Zeus can even inject fake web forms into legitimate websites, tricking users into entering their personal data.
Botnet creation
Any machines infected by Zeus become part of a larger botnet. These botnets can be used for various malicious activities, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Botnets overwhelm websites with traffic, ultimately forcing them offline, and can be rented out to other cybercriminals.
Zeus Virus variants and successors
Zeus’ impact was amplified after its source code leaked, giving rise to numerous variants and successcors.
GameOver
One of the most advanced variants, GameOver was a peer-to-oeer version of the original malware. This version allowed infected devices to communicate with each other without relying on a central server, making it far more resilient to takedowns.
SpyEye
Originally a competitor to Zeus, the creator of SpyEye was who Zeus’ creator claimed to have given the source code and rights to upon retirement. SpyEye used Zeus’ codebase to introduce new techniques for stealing banking information.
Ice IX, Carberp, Citadel, Shylock and more
These malware variants were built from the leaked Zeus code, and each came with its own set of features and improvements. For example, Citadel added more encryption techniques. This successors proved that the Zeus Trojan was not a one-time threat, but rather the foundation for future cybercrime.
Major incidents and impact
The Zeus Trojan’s global reach is prolific. It has caused widespread damage, particularly in the financial sector. Zeus has been responsible for financial theft amounting to over $70 million worldwide, with major organizations and household names falling victim to attacks, such as Bank of America, Amazon, and even NASA.
One of the most significant anti-Zeus operations was Operation Tovar, which attempted to take down the GameOver Zeus botnet in 2014, and led to the ringleader of the gang of cybercriminals responsible being apprehended and charged by the FBI.
How to identify Zeus infections
Recognizing the symptoms of a Zeus virus early can help to limit the damage. Here are some of the warning signs:
- Sudden slowdown in device to performance or overall operating speed.
- Unusual or unauthorized transactions in your online banking accounts.
- Unknown programs running on your system or suddenly appearing in your list of installed applications.
- Your device overheating without any obvious cause.
- Suspicious browser activity such as altered form fields, pop-ups, or being redirected to unfamiliar websites.
- Increased network traffic without a clear explanation, which could indicate your computer has been added to a botnet.
How to prevent and protect against the Zeus Trojan virus
Prevention is better than the cure. And while you can’t immunize your computer against this kind of virus, there are measures you can take to maintain good cybersecurity hygiene.
Keep software and operating systems up to date
Install the latest security patches and updates to make sure you aren’t leaving any vulnerabilities open for hackers to exploit.
Be wary of phishing
Exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited emails and messages, and never click links or download attachments where the origins cannot be confirmed.
Add layers to your security
By enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across your accounts, especially banking accounts, you add an extra layer of security. Even if your credentials are stolen, attackers won’t be able to access your accounts without the second authentication factor.
Use Trojan scanner tools
Using a dedicated antispyware software, such as our free trojan scanner and removal tool, can help to detect and remove malware like Zeus before it causes damage.
Install an ad blocker
Ad blockers can prevent malicious pop-ups from downloading malware onto your computer via drive-by downloads.
Stay informed
Cybercrime is constantly evolving, so you can’t afford to get complacent when it comes to cybersecurity. Staying up to date on the latest malware trends can help you to anticipate and defend against new variants.
Legacy and continued threat
Although the original Zeus Trojan has diminished in activity, its mythology is almost as grand as the god it takes its name from, thanks to its leaked source code. Many modern malware variants borror tactics that were pioneered by Zeus – it has, unfortunately, inspired an entire generation of malware. However, whenever threats arise, solutions inevitably arise to combat them.
Don’t bow to this god
Perhaps the most famous example of a Trojan virus, even Zeus can be stopped by following good cybersecurity practices and arming yourself with the right tools. For more information, why not reach out to the experts at SUPERAntiSpyware.